RNA interference pathway genes as tools for targeted genetic interference

ABSTRACT

Genes involved in double-stranded RNA interference (RNAi pathway genes) are identified and used to investigate the RNAi pathway. The genes and their products are also useful for modulating RNAi pathway activity.

RELATED APPLICATION INFORMATION

This application claims priority from provisional application Ser. No. 60/159,776, filed Oct. 15, 1999, and No. 60/193,218, filed Mar. 30, 2000.

STATEMENT AS TO FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Funding for the work described herein was provided by the federal government (GM58800 and GM37706), which has certain rights in the invention.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the discovery of genes whose expression products are involved in mediation of genetic interference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

All eukaryotic organisms share similar mechanisms for information transfer from DNA to RNA to protein. RNA interference represents an efficient mechanism for inactivating this transfer process for a specific targeted gene. Targeting is mediated by the sequence of the RNA molecule introduced to the cell. Double-stranded (ds) RNA can induce sequence-specific inhibition of gene function (genetic interference) in several organisms including the nematode, C. elegans (Fire, et al., 1998, Nature 391:806-811), plants, trypanosomes, Drosophila, and planaria (Waterhouse et al., 1998, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 94:13959-13964; Ngo et al., 1998, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 95:14687-14692; Kennerdell and Carthew, 1998, Cell 95:1017-1026; Misquitta and Patterson, 1999, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 96: 1451-1456; Sanchez-Alvorado and Newmark, 1999, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 96:5049-5054). The discovery that dsRNA can induce genetic interference in organisms from several distinct phyla suggests a conserved mechanism and perhaps a conserved physiological role for the interference process. Although several models of RNAi have been proposed (Baulcombe, 1999, Curr. Biol. 9:R599-R601; Sharp, 1999, Genes & Dev. 13:139-141) the mechanisms of action of specific components of the pathway are not known.

Attempts to overexpress a gene (e.g., a transgene) often lead only to transient expression of the gene. Furthermore, the even more undesirable effect of “cosuppression” can occur in which a corresponding endogenous copy of the transgene becomes inactivated. In some cases, transgene silencing leads to problems with the commercial or therapeutic application of transgenic technology to alter the genetic makeup of a cell, organism, or human patient.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the discovery of RNA interference (RNAi) pathway genes which are involved in mediating double-stranded RNA-dependent gene silencing (genetic interference). RNAi requires a set of conserved cellular factors to suppress gene expression. These factors are the components of the RNAi pathway. The RNAi pathway mutations and genes described herein (e.g., rde-1, rde-2, rde-3, rde-4, rde-5, mut-2, and mut-7), and their protein products (e.g., RDE-1 and RDE-4) are useful tools for investigating the mechanisms involved in RNAi and developing methods of modulating the RNAi pathway. The sequences and methods described herein are useful for modulating the RNAi pathway and may be used in conjunction with other methods involving the use of genetic inhibition by dsRNA (e.g., see U.S. Ser. No. 09/215,257, filed Dec. 18, 1998, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety).

RNAi pathway components (e.g., RDE-1, RDE-4) provide activities necessary for interference. These activities may be absent or not sufficiently activated in many cell types, including those of organisms such as humans in which genetic interference may have potential therapeutic value. Components of the RNAi pathway in C. elegans may be sufficient when provided through transgenesis or as direct RNA:protein complexes to activate or directly mediate genetic interference in heterologous cells that are deficient in RNAi.

Nucleic acid sequences encoding RNAi pathway components (e.g., RDE-1, RDE-4) are useful, e.g., for studying the regulation of the RNAi pathway. Such sequences can also be used to generate knockout strains of animals such as C. elegans.

The nucleic acids of the invention include nucleic acids that hybridize, e.g., under stringent hybridization conditions (as defined herein), to all or a portion of the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 (FIG. 5A-C) or its complement; SEQ ID NO:2 (FIG. 6A-D) or its complement, or SEQ ID NO:4 or its complement. The hybridizing portion of the hybridizing nucleic acids are preferably 20, 30, 50, or 70 bases long. Preferably, the hybridizing portion of the hybridizing nucleic acid is 80%, more preferably 95%, or even 98% or 100% identical to the sequence of a portion or all of a nucleic acid encoding an RDE-1 polypeptide or an RDE-4 polypeptide. Hybridizing nucleic acids of the type described above can be used as a cloning probe, a primer (e.g., a PCR primer), or a diagnostic probe. Preferred hybridizing nucleic acids encode a polypeptide having some or all of the biological activities possessed by a naturally-occurring RDE-1 polypeptide or an RDE-4 polypeptide e.g., as determined in the assays described below.

Hybridizing nucleic acids may encode a protein that is shorter or longer than the RDE-1 protein or RDE-4 protein described herein. Hybridizing nucleic acids may also encode proteins that are related to RDE-1 or RDE-4 (e.g., proteins encoded by genes that include a portion having a relatively high degree of identity to the rde-1 gene or rde-4 gene described herein).

The invention also features purified or isolated RDE-1 polypeptides and RDE-4 polypeptides. RDE-1 and RDE-4 polypeptides are useful for generating and testing antibodies that specifically bind to an RDE-1 or an RDE-4. Such antibodies can be used, e.g., for studying the RNAi pathway in C. elegans and other organisms. As used herein, both “protein” and “polypeptide” mean any chain of amino acids, regardless of length or post-translational modification (e.g., glycosylation or phosphorylation). Thus, the term “RNAi pathway polypeptide” includes a full-length, naturally occurring RNAi pathway polypeptide such as RDE-1 protein or RDE-4 protein, as well as recombinantly or synthetically produced polypeptides that correspond to a full-length, naturally occurring RDE-1 protein, RDE-4 protein, or to particular domains or portions of a naturally occurring RNAi pathway protein.

RNAi pathway mutations and strains harboring those mutations (e.g., rde-1, rde-2, rde-3, rde-4, rde-5) are useful for studying the RNAi pathway, including identification of modulators of the RNAi pathway.

RNAi pathway components (e.g., those associated with mut-7 and rde-2) can be used to desilence or prevent silencing of transgenes. To facilitate this function, such RNAi pathway components are inhibited using specific inhibitors of an RNAi pathway gene or its product.

In one embodiment, the invention includes an isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding an RDE-1 polypeptide. The nucleic acid molecule hybridizes under high stringency conditions to the nucleic acid sequence of Genbank Accession No. AF180730 (SEQ ID NO:2) or its complement, or the sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 or its complement. In one embodiment, the isolated nucleic acid can complement an rde-1 mutation. The invention also encompasses an isolated nucleic acid whose nucleotide sequence encodes the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:3.

The invention also encompasses a substantially pure RDE-1 polypeptide encoded by the isolated nucleic acids described herein.

The invention features an antibody that specifically binds to an RDE-1 polypeptide.

The invention also includes a method of enhancing the expression of a transgene in a cell, the method comprising decreasing activity of the RNAi pathway. In one embodiment of this invention, rde-2 expression or activity is decreased.

The invention also features an isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding an RDE-4 polypeptide, wherein the nucleic acid molecule hybridizes under high stringency conditions to the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:4 or its complement. The invention also encompasses an isolated nucleic acid encoding an RDE-4 polypeptide, wherein the nucleic acid can complement an rde-4 mutation. The invention also encompasses an isolated nucleic acid encoding an RDE-4 polypeptide, in which the nucleotide sequence encodes the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:5.

The invention also features a substantially pure RDE-4 polypeptide encoded by the isolated nucleic acids described herein.

In another embodiment the invention features an antibody that specifically binds to an RDE-4 polypeptide.

The invention also features a method of preparing an RNAi agent, the method includes incubating a dsRNA in the presence of an RDE-1 protein and an RDE-4 protein.

The invention also features a method of inhibiting the activity of a gene by introducing an RNAi agent into a cell, such that the dsRNA component of the RNAi agent is targeted to the gene. In another embodiment of the invention, the cell contains an exogenous RNAi pathway sequence. The exogenous RNAi pathway sequence can be an RDE-1 polypeptide or an RDE-4 polypeptide. In still another embodiment, a dsRNA is introduced into a cell containing an exogenous RNAi pathway sequence such as nucleic acid sequence expressing an RDE-1 or RDE-4.

An RNAi pathway component is a protein or nucleic acid that is involved in promoting dsRNA-mediated genetic interference. A nucleic acid component can be an RNA or DNA molecule. A mutation in a gene encoding an RNAi pathway component may decrease or increase RNAi pathway activity.

An RNAi pathway protein is a protein that is involved in promoting dsRNA mediated genetic interference.

A “substantially pure DNA” is a DNA that is not immediately contiguous with (i.e., covalently linked to) both of the coding sequences with which it is immediately contiguous (i.e., one at the 5′ end and one at the 3′ end) in the naturally-occurring genome of the organism from which the DNA of the invention is derived. The term therefore includes, for example, a recombinant DNA which is incorporated into a vector, into an autonomously replicating plasmid or virus, or into the genomic DNA of a prokaryote or eukaryote; or which exists as a separate molecule (e.g., a cDNA or a genomic or cDNA fragment produced by PCR (polymerase chain reaction) or restriction endonuclease digestion) independent of other sequences. It also includes a recombinant DNA which is part of a hybrid gene encoding additional polypeptide sequences.

By “inhibited RNAi pathway” is meant decreased inhibitory activity of a dsRNA which results in at least two-fold less inhibition by a dsRNA relative to its ability to cause inhibition in a wild type cell. Techniques for measuring RNAi pathway activity are described herein. The pathway can be inhibited by inhibiting a component of the pathway (e.g., RDE-1) or mutating the component so that its function is reduced.

A “substantially pure polypeptide” is a polypeptide, e.g., an RNAi pathway polypeptide or fragment thereof, that is at least 60%, by weight, free from the proteins and naturally-occurring organic molecules with which it is naturally associated. Preferably, the preparation is at least 75%, more preferably at least 90%, and most preferably at least 99%, by weight, RNAi pathway polypeptide or fragment. A substantially pure RNAi pathway polypeptide or fragment thereof is obtained, for example, by extraction from a natural source; by expression of a recombinant nucleic acid encoding an RNAi pathway polypeptide or fragment thereof; or by chemically synthesizing the polypeptide or fragment. Purity can be measured by any appropriate method, e.g., column chromatography, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, or HPLC analysis.

By “specifically binds” is meant a molecule that binds to a particular entity, e.g., an RNAi pathway polypeptide, but which does not substantially recognize or bind to other molecules in a sample, e.g., a biological sample, which includes the particular entity, e.g., RDE-1.

An RNAi agent is a dsRNA molecule that has been treated with those components of the RNAi pathway that are required to confer RNAi activity on the dsRNA. For example, treatment of a dsRNA under conditions that include RDE-1 and RDE-4 results in an RNAi agent. Injection of such an agent into an animal that is mutant for RDE-1 and RDE-4 will result in activation of the RNAi pathway with respect to a targeted gene. Typically, the dsRNA used to trigger the formation of the RNAi agent is selected to be an RNA corresponding to all or a portion of the nucleotide sequence of the targeted gene.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods and materials are described below. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the detailed description, and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates the genetic scheme used to identify rde mutants.

FIG. 1B is an illustration summarizing data from the genetic mapping of rde and mut mutations. The vertical bars represent chromosomes; LGI, LGIII, and LGV. Reference genetic markers are indicated at the right of each chromosome and the relative genetic positions of the rde and mut alleles are indicated at the left.

FIG. 2A is a graphical representation of experiments investigating the sensitivity of rde and mut strains to RNAi by microinjection. The RNA species indicated above each graph was injected at high concentration (pos-1: 7 mg/ml, par-2: 3 mg/ml, sqt-3: 7 mg/ml). The strains receiving injection are indicated at the left and the horizontal bar graphs reflect the percent of progeny that exhibited genetic interference. The Unc marker mutants used are also indicated. The percent embryonic lethality of F1 progeny is plotted as shaded bars and the fraction of affected progeny is indicated at the right of each graph.

FIG. 2B is a graphical representation of experiments demonstrating that animals homozygous for rde and mut alleles are resistant to RNAi targeting maternally expressed genes, pos-1 and par-2. The percent embryonic lethality of F1 progeny is plotted as shaded bars and the fraction of affected progeny is indicated at the right of each graph.

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of homozygous rde-1(ne219) and rde-4(ne299) mutant mothers receiving injections of dsRNA targeting the body muscle structural gene unc-22.

FIG. 4A is a schematic representation of the physical map of the rde-1 region. C. elegans YAC and cosmid DNA clones that were positive for rescue are indicated by an asterisk. A representation of the expanded interval showing a minimal, 25 kb, rescuing interval defined by the overlap between cosmids T10A5 and C27H6 is shown beneath the YAC and cosmid map. Predicted genes within this sequenced interval are illustrated above and below the hatch marked line. A single, rescuing, 4.5 kb PCR fragment containing the K08H10.7 predicted gene is shown enlarged. Exon and intron (box/line) boundaries are shown as well as the positions of rde-1 point mutation in the predicted coding sequences.

FIG. 4B is an illustration of the predicted sequence of RDE-1 and its alignment with four related proteins. The sequences are RDE-1 (C. elegans; Genbank Accession No. AF180730), F48F7.1 (C. elegans; Genbank Accession No. Z69661), eIF2C (rabbit; Genbank Accession No. AF005355), ZWILLE (Arabidopsis; Genbank Accession No. AJ223508), and Sting (Drosophila; Genbank Accession No. AF145680). Identities with RDE-1 are shaded in black, and identities among the homologs are shaded in gray.

FIGS. 5A-5C are an illustration of the genomic sequence from cosmid KO8H10 (Genbank accession Z83113.1; SEQ ID NO:1) corresponding to the rde-1 gene from the first nucleotide of 5′ untranslated region to the polyadenylation site.

FIGS. 6A-6D are an illustration of the cDNA sequence of rde-1 (SEQ ID NO:2), including the first 20 nucleotides constituting the 5′ untranslated sequence (5′UTR) and the predicted amino acid sequence encoded by rde-1 (RDE-1; SEQ ID NO:3). The nucleotide sequence is numbered starting with the first nucleotide of the translated region.

FIG. 7A is an illustration of the protocol for injection of a wild-type hermaphrodite with dsRNA.

FIG. 7B is an illustration of a genetic scheme demonstrating extragenic inheritance of RNAi. The fraction shown represents the number of RNAi affected F2 hermaphrodites over the total number of cross progeny scored for each genotype class. Phenotypically uncoordinated (Unc).

FIGS. 8A-8B are illustrations of a genetic scheme to determine if the wild-type activities of rde-1, rde-2, rde-4, and mut-7 are sufficient in the injected animal for interference among the F 1 self progeny (A) illustrates crosses of heterozygous hermaphrodites; (B) illustrates crosses using homzygous F1 progeny from heterozygous mothers. The fraction shown represents the number of RNAi affected animals over the total number of cross progeny scored for each genotype class.

FIG. 9A depicts experiments of a the genetic scheme to determine if the wild-type activities of rde-1, rde-2, rde-4, and mut-7 are sufficient in the injected animal for interference among the F1 self progeny. The fraction shown represents the number of RNAi affected animals over the total number of cross progeny scored for each genotype class.

FIG. 9B depicts experiments designed to determine the requirements for rde-1, rde-2, rde-4, and mut-7 in F2 (FIG. 10A) and F1 (FIG. 10B) interference. The fraction shown represents the number of RNAi affected animals over the total number of cross progeny scored for each genotype class.

FIGS. 10A-10B are a depiction of the cDNA sequence of a wild type rde-4 nucleic acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:4) and the predicted RDE-4 amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:5) of C. elegans. “*” indicates ambiguous base assignment.

FIG. 11 is a depiction of regions of homology between the predicted RDE-4 amino acid sequence, X1RBPA (SEQ ID NO:6), HsPKR (SEQ ID NO:7), and a consensus sequence (SEQ ID NO:8). A predicted secondary structure for RDE-4 is also shown illustrating predicted regions of a helix and β pleated sheet.

FIG. 12 illustrates a scheme for rescue of an rde-4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Mutations have been discovered that identify genes involved in dsRNA-mediated genetic interference (RNAi). RNAi pathway genes encode products involved in genetic interference and are useful for mediating or enhancing genetic interference. These genes encode mediators of double-stranded RNA-mediated interference. The mediators can be nucleic acid or protein. RNAi pathway genes are also useful for mediating specific processes, e.g., a gene that mediates dsRNA uptake by cells may be useful for transporting other RNAs into cells or for facilitating entry of agents such as drugs into cells. The methods and examples described below illustrate the identification of RNAi pathway components, the uses of RNAi pathway components, mutants, genes and their products.

Identification of an RNAi-Deficient Mutants and an RNAi Pathway Gene rde-1

RNAi pathway genes were identified using screens for C. elegans strains mutant for RNAi (Examples 2 and 3). The mutations were further characterized for germline and somatic effects, effects on transposon mobilization, X chromosome loss and transgene silencing, and target tissue activity (Examples 4 and 5).

The rde-1 gene was identified using YACs (yeast artificial chromosomes) and cosmids to rescue rde-1 mutants. Based on the identified sequence, a cDNA sequence was identified in a C. elegans cDNA library and the complete cDNA sequence determined (Example 6).

Identification of RNAi Pathway Genes Homologous to rde-1, rde-2 rde-3, and rde-4

RNAi pathway genes from C. elegans (such as those described herein) and from other organisms (e.g. plant, mammalian, especially human) are useful for the elucidation of the biochemical pathways involved in genetic interference and for developing the uses of RNAi pathway genes described herein.

Several approaches can be used to isolate RNAi pathway genes including two-hybrid screens, complementation of C. elegans mutants by expression libraries of cloned heterologous (e.g., plant, mammalian, human) cDNAs, polymerase chain reactions (PCR) primed with degenerate oligonucleotides, low stringency hybridization screens of heterologous cDNA or genomic libraries with a C. elegans RNAi pathway gene, and database screens for sequences homologous to an RNAi pathway gene. Hybridization is performed under stringent conditions. Alternatively, a labeled fragment can be used to screen a genomic library derived from the organism of interest, again, using appropriately stringent conditions. Such stringent conditions are well known, and will vary predictably depending on the specific organisms from which the library and the labeled sequences are derived.

Nucleic acid duplex or hybrid stability is expressed as the melting temperature or T_(m), which is the temperature at which a probe dissociates from a target DNA. This melting temperature is used to define the required stringency conditions. If sequences are to be identified that are related and substantially identical to the probe, rather than identical, then it is useful to first establish the lowest temperature at which only homologous hybridization occurs with a particular SSC or SSPE concentration. Then assume that 1% mismatching results in 1° C. decrease in the T_(m) and reduce the temperature of the final wash accordingly (for example, if sequences with ≧95% identity with the probe are sought, decrease the final wash temperature by 5° C.). Note that this assumption is very approximate, and the actual change in T_(m) can be between 0.5° and 1.5° C. per 1% mismatch.

As used herein, high stringency conditions include hybridizing at 68° C. in 5×SSC/5× Denhardt solution/1.0% SDS, or in 0.5 M NaHPO₄ (pH 7.2)/1 mM EDTA/7% SDS, or in 50% formamide/0.25 M NaHPO₄ (pH 7.2)/0.25 M NaCl/1 mM EDTA/7% SDS; and washing in 0.2×SSC/0.1% SDS at room temperature or at 42° C., or in 0.1×SSC/0.1% SDS at 68° C., or in 40 mM NaHPO₄ (pH 7.2)/1 mM EDTA/5% SDS at 50° C., or in 40 mM NaHPO₄ (pH 7.2) 1 mM EDTA/1% SDS at 50° C. Moderately stringent conditions include washing in 3×SSC at 42° C. The parameters of salt concentration and temperature can be varied to achieve the desired level of identity between the probe and the target nucleic acid.

For guidance regarding such conditions see, for example, Sambrook et al., 1989, Molecular Cloning, A Laboratory Manual, Cold Springs Harbor Press, N.Y.; and Ausubel et al. (eds.), 1995,Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, (John Wiley & Sons, N.Y.) at Unit 2.10.

Methods of screening for and identifying homologs of C. elegans RNAi genes (e.g., rde-1) are known in the art. For example, complementation of mutants, described in the Examples can be performed using nucleic acid sequences from organisms other than C. elegans. Methods of inhibiting expression of a target gene in a cell using dsRNA are known in the art and are exemplified in U.S. Ser. No. 09/215,257, filed Dec. 18, 1998, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Another method of screening is to use an identified RNAi pathway gene sequence to screen a cDNA or genomic library using low stringency hybridizations. Such methods are known in the art.

PCR with degenerate oligonucleotides is another method of identifying homologs of RNAi pathway genes (e.g., human rde-1). Homologs of an RNAi pathway gene identified in other species are compared to identify specific regions with a high degree of homology (as in the sequence comparison shown in FIG. 4). These regions of high homology are selected for designing PCR primers that maximize possible base-pairing with heterologous genes. Construction of such primers involves the use of oligonucleotide mixtures that account for degeneracy in the genetic code, i.e., allow for the possible base changes in an RNAi pathway gene that does not affect the amino acid sequence of the RNAi pathway protein. Such primers may be used to amplify and clone possible RNAi pathway gene fragments from DNA isolated from another organism (e.g., mouse or human). The latter are sequenced and those encoding protein fragments with high degrees of homology to fragments of the RNAi pathway protein are used as nucleic acid probes in subsequent screens of genomic DNA and cDNA libraries (e.g., mouse or human). Full-length genes and cDNAs having substantial homology to the previously identified RNAi pathway gene are identified in these screens.

To produce an RNAi pathway gene product (e.g., RDE-1) a sequence encoding the gene is placed in an expression vector and the gene expressed in an appropriate cell type. The gene product is isolated from such cell lines using methods known to those in the art, and used in the assays and procedures described herein. The gene product can be a complete RNAi pathway protein (e.g., RDE-1) or a fragment of such a protein.

Methods of Expressing RNAi Pathway Proteins

Full-length polypeptides and polypeptides corresponding to one or more domains of a full-length RNAi pathway protein, e.g., the RNA-binding domain of RDE-4, are also within the scope of the invention. Also within the invention are fusion proteins in which a portion (e.g., one or more domains) of an RDE-1 or RDE-4) is fused to an unrelated protein or polypeptide (i.e., a fusion partner) to create a fusion protein. The fusion partner can be a moiety selected to facilitate purification, detection, or solubilization, or to provide some other function. Fusion proteins are generally produced by expressing a hybrid gene in which a nucleotide sequence encoding all or a portion of of an RNAi pathway protein is joined in-frame to a nucleotide sequence encoding the fusion partner. Fusion partners include, but are not limited to, the constant region of an immunoglobulin (IgFc). A fusion protein in which an RNAi pathway polypeptide is fused to IgFc can be more stable and have a longer half-life in the body than the polypeptide on its own.

In general, RNAi pathway proteins (e.g., RDE-1, RDE-4) according to the invention can be produced by transformation (transfection, transduction, or infection) of a host cell with all or part of an RNAi pathway protein-encoding DNA fragment (e.g., one of the cDNAs described herein) in a suitable expression vehicle. Suitable expression vehicles include: plasmids, viral particles, and phage. For insect cells, baculovirus expression vectors are suitable. The entire expression vehicle, or a part thereof, can be integrated into the host cell genome. In some circumstances, it is desirable to employ an inducible expression vector, e.g., the LACSWITCH™ Inducible Expression System (Stratagene; LaJolla, Calif.).

Those skilled in the field of molecular biology will understand that any of a wide variety of expression systems can be used to provide the recombinant protein. The precise host cell used is not critical to the invention. The RNAi pathway protein can be produced in a prokaryotic host (e.g., E. coli or B. subtilis) or in a eukaryotic host (e.g., Saccharomyces or Pichia; mammalian cells, e.g., COS, NIH 3T3 CHO, BHK, 293, or HeLa cells; or insect cells).

Proteins and polypeptides can also be produced in plant cells. For plant cells viral expression vectors (e.g., cauliflower mosaic virus and tobacco mosaic virus) and plasmid expression vectors (e.g., Ti plasmid) are suitable. Such cells are available from a wide range of sources (e.g., the American Type Culture Collection, Rockland, Md.; also, see, e.g., Ausubel et al., Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, John Wiley & Sons, New York, 1994). The methods of transformation or transfection and the choice of expression vehicle will depend on the host system selected. Transformation and transfection methods are described, e.g., in Ausubel et al., supra; expression vehicles may be chosen from those provided, e.g., in Cloning Vectors: A Laboratory Manual (P. H. Pouwels et al., 1985, Supp. 1987).

The host cells harboring the expression vehicle can be cultured in conventional nutrient media adapted as need for activation of a chosen gene, repression of a chosen gene, selection of transformants, or amplification of a chosen gene.

One preferred expression system is the mouse 3T3 fibroblast host cell transfected with a pMAMneo expression vector (Clontech, Palo Alto, Calif.). pMAMneo provides an RSV-LTR enhancer linked to a dexamethasone-inducible MMTV-LTR promotor, an SV40 origin of replication which allows replication in mammalian systems, a selectable neomycin gene, and SV40 splicing and polyadenylation sites. DNA encoding an RNAi pathway protein would be inserted into the pMAMneo vector in an orientation designed to allow expression. The recombinant RNAi pathway protein would be isolated as described herein. Other preferable host cells that can be used in conjunction with the pMAMneo expression vehicle include COS cells and CHO cells (ATCC Accession Nos. CRL 1650 and CCL 61, respectively).

RNAi pathway polypeptides can be produced as fusion proteins. For example, the expression vector pUR278 (Ruther et al., EMBO J. 2:1791, 1983), can be used to create lacZ fusion proteins. The pGEX vectors can be used to express foreign polypeptides as fusion proteins with glutathione S-transferase (GST). In general, such fusion proteins are soluble and can be easily purified from lysed cells by adsorption to glutathione-agarose beads followed by elution in the presence of free glutathione. The pGEX vectors are designed to include thrombin or factor Xa protease cleavage sites so that the cloned target gene product can be released from the GST moiety.

In an insect cell expression system, Autographa californica nuclear polyhidrosis virus (AcNPV), which grows in Spodoptera frugiperda cells, is used as a vector to express foreign genes. An RNAi pathway protein coding sequence can be cloned individually into non-essential regions (for example the polyhedrin gene) of the virus and placed under control of an AcNPV promoter, e.g., the polyhedrin promoter. Successful insertion of a gene encoding an RNAi pathway polypeptide or protein will result in inactivation of the polyhedrin gene and production of non-occluded recombinant virus (i.e., virus lacking the proteinaceous coat encoded by the polyhedrin gene). These recombinant viruses are then used to infect spodoptera frugiperda cells in which the inserted gene is expressed (see e.g., Smith et al., J. Virol. 46:584, 1983; Smith, U.S. Pat. No. 4,215,051).

In mammalian host cells, a number of viral-based expression systems can be utilized. When an adenovirus is used as an expression vector, the RNAi pathway protein nucleic acid sequence can be ligated to an adenovirus transcription/translation control complex, e.g., the late promoter and tripartite leader sequence. This chimeric gene can then be inserted into the adenovirus genome by in vitro or in vivo recombination. Insertion into a non-essential region of the viral genome (e.g., region E1 or E3) will result in a recombinant virus that is viable and capable of expressing an RNAi pathway gene product in infected hosts (see e.g., Logan, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 81:3655, 1984).

Specific initiation signals may be required for efficient translation of inserted nucleic acid sequences. These signals include the ATG initiation codon and adjacent sequences. In cases where an entire native RNAi pathway protein gene or cDNA, including its own initiation codon and adjacent sequences, is inserted into the appropriate expression vector, no additional translational control signals may be needed. In other cases, exogenous translational control signals, including, perhaps, the ATG initiation codon, must be provided. Furthermore, the initiation codon must be in phase with the reading frame of the desired coding sequence to ensure translation of the entire insert. These exogenous translational control signals and initiation codons can be of a variety of origins, both natural and synthetic. The efficiency of expression may be enhanced by the inclusion of appropriate transcription enhancer elements, transcription terminators (Bittner et al., Methods in Enzymol. 153:516, 1987).

RNAi pathway polypeptides can be expressed directly or as a fusion with a heterologous polypeptide, such as a signal sequence or other polypeptide having a specific cleavage site at the N- and/or C-terminus of the mature protein or polypeptide. Included within the scope of this invention are RNAi pathway polypeptides with a heterologous signal sequence. The heterologous signal sequence selected should be one that is recognized and processed, i.e., cleaved by a signal peptidase, by the host cell. For prokaryotic host cells a prokaryotic signal sequence is selected, for example, from the group of the alkaline phosphatase, penicillinase, 1pp, or heat-stable enterotoxin II leaders. For yeast secretion a yeast invertase, alpha factor, or acid phosphatase leaders may be selected. In mammalian cells, it is generally desirable to select a mammalian signal sequences.

A host cell may be chosen which modulates the expression of the inserted sequences, or modifies and processes the gene product in a specific, desired fashion. Such modifications (e.g., glycosylation) and processing (e.g., cleavage) of protein products may be important for the function of the protein. Different host cells have characteristic and specific mechanisms for the post-translational processing and modification of proteins and gene products. Appropriate cell lines or host systems can be chosen to ensure the correct modification and processing of the foreign protein expressed. To this end, eukaryotic host cells that possess the cellular machinery for proper processing of the primary transcript, glycosylation, and phosphorylation of the gene product can be used. Such mammalian host cells include, but are not limited to, CHO, VERO, BHK, HeLa, COS, MDCK, 293, 3T3, WI38, and in particular, choroid plexus cell lines.

Alternatively, an RNAi pathway protein can be produced by a stably-transfected mammalian cell line. A number of vectors suitable for stable transfection of mammalian cells are available to the public, see, e.g., Pouwels et al. (supra); methods for constructing such cell lines are also publicly available, e.g., in Ausubel et al. (supra). In one example, cDNA encoding an RNAi pathway protein (e.g., RDE-1 or RDE-4) is cloned into an expression vector that includes the dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) gene. Integration of the plasmid and, therefore, the RNAi pathway protein-encoding gene into the host cell chromosome is selected for by including 0.01-300 μM methotrexate in the cell culture medium (as described in Ausubel et al., supra). This dominant selection can be accomplished in most cell types.

Recombinant protein expression can be increased by DHFR-mediated amplification of the transfected gene. Methods for selecting cell lines bearing gene amplifications are described in Ausubel et al. (supra); such methods generally involve extended culture in medium containing gradually increasing levels of methotrexate. DHFR-containing expression vectors commonly used for this purpose include pCVSEII-DHFR and pAdD26SV(A) (described in Ausubel et al., supra). Any of the host cells described above or, preferably, a DHFR-deficient CHO cell line (e.g., CHO DHFR⁻ cells, ATCC Accession No. CRL 9096) are among the host cells preferred for DHFR selection of a stably-transfected cell line or DHFR-mediated gene amplification.

A number of other selection systems can be used, including but not limited to the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase, hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl-transferase, and adenine phosphoribosyltransferase genes can be employed in tk, hgprt, or aprt cells, respectively. In addition, gpt, which confers resistance to mycophenolic acid (Mulligan et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 78:2072, 1981); neo, which confers resistance to the aminoglycoside G-418 (Colberre-Garapin et al., J. Mol. Biol., 150:1, 1981); and hygro, which confers resistance to hygromycin (Santerre et al., Gene, 30:147, 1981), can be used.

Alternatively, any fusion protein can be readily purified by utilizing an antibody specific for the fusion protein being expressed. For example, a system described in Janknecht et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 88:8972 (1981), allows for the ready purification of non-denatured fusion proteins expressed in human cell lines. In this system, the gene of interest is subcloned into a vaccinia recombination plasmid such that the gene's open reading frame is translationally fused to an amino-terminal tag consisting of six histidine residues. Extracts from cells infected with recombinant vaccinia virus are loaded onto Ni²⁺ nitriloacetic acid-agarose columns, and histidine-tagged proteins are selectively eluted with imidazole-containing buffers.

Alternatively, an RNAi pathway protein or a portion thereof, can be fused to an immunoglobulin Fc domain. Such a fusion protein can be readily purified using a protein A column.

Antibodies that Recognize RNAi Pathway Proteins

Techniques for generating both monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies specific for a particular protein are well known. The invention also includes humanized or chimeric antibodies, single chain antibodies, Fab fragments, F(ab′)₂ fragments, and molecules produced using a Fab expression library.

Antibodies can be raised against a short peptide epitope of an RNAi pathway gene (e.g., rde-1), an epitope linked to a known immunogen to enhance immunogenicity, a long fragment of an RNAi pathway gene, or the intact protein. Such antibodies are useful for e.g., localizing RNAi pathway polypeptides in tissue sections or fractionated cell preparations, determining whether an RNAi pathway gene is expressed (e.g., after transfection with an RNAi pathway gene), and evaluating the expression of an RNAi pathway gene in disorders (e.g., genetic conditions) where the RNAi pathway may be affected.

An isolated RNAi pathway protein (e.g., RDE-1), or a portion or fragment thereof, can be used as an immunogen to generate antibodies that bind to an RNAi pathway protein using standard techniques for polyclonal and monoclonal antibody preparation. The RNAi pathway immunogen can also be a mutant RNAi pathway protein or a fragment of a mutant RNAi pathway protein. A full-length RNAi pathway protein can be used or, alternatively, antigenic peptide fragments of RNAi pathway protein can be used as immunogens. The antigenic peptide of an RNAi pathway protein comprises at least 8 (preferably 10, 15, 20, or 30) amino acid residues. In the case of RDE-1, these residues are drawn from the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:3 and encompass an epitope such that an antibody raised against the peptide forms a specific immune complex with RDE-1. Preferred epitopes encompassed by the antigenic peptide are regions of the protein that are located on the surface of the protein, e.g., hydrophilic regions.

An RNAi pathway protein immunogen typically is used to prepare antibodies by immunizing a suitable subject (e.g., rabbit, goat, mouse or other mammal) with the immunogen. An appropriate immunogenic preparation can contain, for example, recombinantly expressed RNAi pathway protein or a chemically synthesized RNAi polypeptide. The preparation can further include an adjuvant, such as Freund's complete or incomplete adjuvant, or similar immunostimulatory agent. Immunization of a suitable subject with an immunogenic RNAi pathway protein preparation induces a polyclonal anti-RNAi pathway protein antibody response.

Polyclonal antibodies that recognize an RNAi pathway protein (“RNAi pathway antibodies”) can be prepared as described above by immunizing a suitable subject with an RNAi pathway protein immunogen. The RNAi pathway antibody titer in the immununized subject can be monitored over time by standard techniques, such as with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using immobilized RNAi pathway protein from which the immunogen was derived. If desired, the antibody molecules directed against the RNAi pathway protein can be isolated from the mammal (e.g., from the blood) and further purified by well-known techniques, such as protein A chromatography to obtain the IgG fraction. At an appropriate time after immunization, e.g., when the RNAi pathway antibody titers are highest, antibody-producing cells can be obtained from the subject and used to prepare monoclonal antibodies by standard techniques, such as the hybridoma technique originally described by Kohler and Milstein (1975) Nature 256:495-497, the human B cell hybridoma technique (Kozbor et al. (1983) Immunol. Today 4:72), the EBV-hybridoma technique (Cole et al. (1985), Monoclonal Antibodies and Cancer Therapy, Alan R. Liss, Inc., pp. 77-96) or trioma techniques. The technology for producing hybridomas is well known (see generally Current Protocols in Immunology (1994) Coligan et al. (eds.) John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, N.Y.). Briefly, an immortal cell line (typically a myeloma) is fused to lymphocytes (typically splenocytes) from a mammal immunized with an RNAi pathway immunogen as described above, and the culture supernatants of the resulting hybridoma cells are screened to identify a hybridoma producing a monoclonal antibody that binds to the RNAi pathway protein.

Any of the many well known protocols used for fusing lymphocytes and immortalized cell lines can be applied for the purpose of generating a monoclonal antibody against an RNAi pathway protein (see, e.g., Current Protocols in Immunology, supra; Galfre et al., 1977, Nature 266:55052; R. H. Kenneth, in Monoclonal Antibodies: A New Dimension In Biological Analyses, Plenum Publishing Corp., New York, N.Y., 1980; and Lerner, 1981, Yale J. Biol. Med., 54:387-402. Moreover, one in the art will appreciate that there are many variations of such methods which also would be useful. Hybridoma cells producing a monoclonal antibody of the invention are detected by screening the hybridoma culture supernatants for antibodies that bind to the RNAi pathway protein, e.g., using a standard ELISA assay.

Alternative to preparing monoclonal antibody-secreting hybridomas, a monoclonal RNAi pathway antibody can be identified and isolated by screening a recombinant combinatorial immunoglobulin library (e.g., an antibody phage display library) with an RNAi pathway protein to thereby isolate immunoglobulin library members that bind to the RNAi pathway protein. Kits for generating and screening phage display libraries are commercially available (e.g., the Pharmacia Recombinant Phage Antibody System, Catalog No. 27-9400-01; and the Stratagene SurfZAP™ Phage Display Kit, Catalog No. 240612). Additionally, examples of methods and reagents particularly amenable for use in generating and screening antibody display library can be found in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,223,409; PCT Publication No. WO 92/18619; PCT Publication No. WO 91/17271; PCT Publication No. WO 92/20791; PCT Publication No. WO 92/15679; PCT Publication No. WO 93/01288; PCT Publication No. WO 92/01047; PCT Publication No. WO 92/09690; PCT Publication No. WO 90/02809; Fuchs et al., 1991, Bio/Technology 9:1370-1372; Hay et al., 1992, Hum. Antibod. Hybridomas 3:81-85; Huse et. al., 1989, Science 246:1275-1281; Griffiths et al., 1993, EMBO J. 12:725-734.

Techniques developed for the production of “chimeric antibodies” (Morrison et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 81:6851, 1984; Neuberger et al., Nature, 312:604, 1984; Takeda et al., Nature, 314:452, 1984) can be used to splice the genes from a mouse antibody molecule of appropriate antigen specificity together with genes from a human antibody molecule of appropriate biological activity. A chimeric antibody is a molecule in which different portions are derived from different animal species, such as those having a variable region derived from a murine mAb and a human immunoglobulin constant region.

Alternatively, techniques described for the production of single chain antibodies (U.S. Pat. No. 4,946,778; and U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,946,778 and 4,704,692) can be adapted to produce single chain antibodies against an RNAi pathway protein or polypeptide. Single chain antibodies are formed by linking the heavy and light chain fragments of the Fv region via an amino acid bridge, resulting in a single chain polypeptide.

Antibody fragments that recognize and bind to specific epitopes can be generated by known techniques. For example, such fragments can include but are not limited to F(ab′)₂ fragments, which can be produced by pepsin digestion of the antibody molecule, and Fab fragments, which can be generated by reducing the disulfide bridges of F(ab′)₂ fragments. Alternatively, Fab expression, libraries can be constructed (Huse et al., Science, 246:1275, 1989) to allow rapid and easy identification of monoclonal Fab fragments with the desired specificity.

Identification of RNAi Pathway Components

RNAi pathway components can be identified in C. elegans and other animals (e.g., a mammal) using the methods described in the Examples below. Pathway components can also be identified using methods known in the art and the information provided herein. Such components include those involved in protein:protein and protein:RNA interactions. Specifically, RDE-1 can be used to identify additional proteins and RNA molecules that bind to the RDE-1 protein and so facilitate genetic interference.

The RNAi pathway mutant strains described herein (e.g., rde-1, rde-2, rde-3, rde-4, and rde-5; also mut-2 and mut-7) can be used in genetic screens to identify additional RNAi pathway components. For example, a strain deficient for rde-1 activity can be mutagenized and screened for the recovery of genetic interference. This type of screen can identify allele-specific suppressors in other genes or second site mutations within the rde-1 gene that restore its activity. The resulting strains may define new genes that activate RNAi to overcome or bypass the rde-1 defect. The mutations identified by these methods can be used to identify their corresponding gene sequences.

Two-hybrid screens can also be used to identify proteins that bind to RNAi pathway proteins such as RDE-1. Genes encoding proteins that interact with RDE-1 or human homologs of the C. elegans RDE-1, are identified using the two-hybrid method (Fields and Song, 1989, Nature 340:245-246; Chien et al., 1991, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 88:9578-9582; Fields and Stemglanz, 1994, Trends Genet. 10:286-292; Bartel and Fields, 1995, Methods Enzymol. 254:241-263). DNA encoding the RDE-1 protein is cloned and expressed from plasmids harboring GAL4 or lexA DNA-binding domains and co-transformed into cells harboring lacZ and HIS3 reporter constructs along with libraries of cDNAs that have been cloned into plasmids harboring the GAL4 activation domain. Libraries used for such co-transformation include those made from C. elegans or a vertebrate embryonic cell.

Mechanisms of Action of RNAi Pathway Components

Specific cellular functions associated with the RNAi pathway include the specific targeting of a nucleic acid by a dsRNA, uptake of dsRNA, transport of dsRNA, amplification of the dsRNA signal, and genetic interference. The mechanism of interference may involve translation inhibition, or interference with RNA processing. In addition, direct effects on the corresponding gene may contribute to interference. These mechanisms can be identified investigated using the methods described herein and methods known in the art.

Methods of Screening for Molecules that Inhibit the RNAi Pathway

The following assays are designed to identify compounds that are effective inhibitors of the RNAi pathway. Such inhibitors may act by, but are not limited to, binding to an RDE-1 polypeptide (e.g., from C. elegans, mouse, or human), binding to intracellular proteins that bind to an RNAi pathway component, compounds that interfere with the interaction between RNAi pathway components including between an RNAi pathway component and a dsRNA, and compounds that modulate the activity or expression of an RNAi pathway gene such as rde-1. An inhibitor of the RNAi pathway can also be used to promote expression of a transgene.

Assays can also be used to identify molecules that bind to RNAi pathway gene regulatory sequences (e.g., promoter sequences), thus modulating gene expression. See, e.g., Platt, 1994, J. Biol. Chem. 269:28558-28562, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The compounds which may be screened by the methods described herein include, but are not limited to, peptides and other organic compounds (e.g., peptidomimetics) that bind to an RNAi pathway protein (e.g., that bind to an RDE-1), or inhibit its activity in any way.

Such compounds may include, but are not limited to, peptides; for example, soluble peptides, including but not limited to members of random peptide libraries; (see, e.g., Lam et al., 1991, Nature 354:82-94; Houghten et al., 1991, Nature 354:84-86), and combinatorial chemistry-derived molecular libraries made of D- and/or L-amino acids, phosphopeptides (including, but not limited to, members of random or partially degenerate, directed phosphopeptide libraries; see e.g., Songyang et al., 1993, Cell 72:767-778), and small organic or inorganic molecules.

Organic molecules are screened to identify candidate molecules that affect expression of an RNAi pathway gene (e.g., rde-1), e.g., by interacting with the regulatory region or transcription factors of a gene. Compounds are also screened to identify those that affect the activity of such proteins, (e.g., by inhibiting rde-1 activity) or the activity of a molecule involved in the regulation of, for example, rde-1.

Computer modeling or searching technologies are used to identify compounds, or identify modifications of compounds that modulate the expression or activity of an RNAi pathway protein. For example, compounds likely to interact with the active site of a protein (e.g., RDE-1) are identified. The active site of an RNAi pathway protein can be identified using methods known in the art including, for example, analysis of the amino acid sequence of a molecule, from a study of complexes of an RNAi pathway, with its native ligand (e.g., a dsRNA). Chemical or X-ray crystallographic methods can be used to identify the active site of an RNAi pathway protein by the location of a bound ligand such as a dsRNA.

The three-dimensional structure of the active site is determined. This can be done using known methods, including X-ray crystallography which may be used to determine a complete molecular structure. Solid or liquid phase NMR can be used to determine certain intra-molecular distances. Other methods of structural analysis can be used to determine partial or complete geometrical structures. Geometric structure can be determined with an RNAi pathway protein bound to a natural or artificial ligand which may provide a more accurate active site structure determination.

Computer-based numerical modeling can also be used to predict protein structure (especially of the active site), or be used to complete an incomplete or insufficiently accurate structure. Modeling methods that may be used are, for example, parameterized models specific to particular biopolymers such as proteins or nucleic acids, molecular dynamics models based on computing molecular motions, statistical mechanics models based on thermal ensembles, or combined models. For most types of models, standard molecular force fields, representing the forces between constituent atoms and groups are necessary, and can be selected for the model from among the force fields known in physical chemistry. Information on incomplete or less accurate structures determined as above can be incorporated as constraints on the structures computed by these modeling methods.

Having determined the structure of the active site of an RNAi pathway protein (e.g., RDE-1), either experimentally, by modeling, or by a combination of methods, candidate modulating compounds can be identified by searching databases containing compounds along with information on their molecular structure. The compounds identified in such a search are those that have structures that match the active site structure, fit into the active site, or interact with groups defining the active site. The compounds identified by the search are potential RNAi pathway modulating compounds.

These methods may also be used to identify improved modulating compounds from an already known modulating compound or ligand. The structure of the known compound is modified and effects are determined using experimental and computer modeling methods as described above. The altered structure may be compared to the active site structure of an RNAi pathway protein (e.g., an RDE-1) to determine or predict how a particular modification to the ligand or modulating compound will affect its interaction with that protein. Systematic variations in composition, such as by varying side groups, can be evaluated to obtain modified modulating compounds or ligands of preferred specificity or activity.

Other experimental and computer modeling methods useful to identify modulating compounds based on identification of the active sites of an RNAi pathway protein and related transduction and transcription factors will be apparent to those of skill in the art.

Examples of molecular modeling systems are the QUANTA programs, e.g., CHARMm, MCSS/HOOK, and X-LIGAND, (Molecular Simulations, Inc., San Diego, Calif.). QUANTA analyzes the construction, graphic modeling, and analysis of molecular structure. CHARMm analyzes energy minimization and molecular dynamics functions. MCSS/HOOK characterizes the ability of an active site to bind a ligand using energetics calculated via CHARMm. X-LIGAND fits ligand molecules to electron density of protein-ligand complexes. It also allows interactive construction, modification, visualization, and analysis of the behavior of molecules with each other.

Articles reviewing computer modeling of compounds interacting with specific protein can provide additional guidance. For example, see Rotivinen et al., 1988, Acta Pharmaceutical Fennica 97:159-166; Ripka, New Scientist Jun. 16, 1988 pp. 54-57; McKinaly and Rossmann, 1989, Ann. Rev. Pharmacol. Toxicol. 29:111-122; Perry and Davies. OSAR Quantitative Structure—Activity Relationships in Drug Design pp. 189-193 (Alan R. Liss, Inc., 1989); Lewis and Dean, 1989, Proc. R. Soc. Lond. 236:125-140, 141-152; and, regarding a model receptor for nucleic acid components, Askew et al., Am. J. Chem. Soc. 111:1082-1090. Computer programs designed to screen and depict chemicals are available from companies such as MSI (supra), Allelix, Inc. (Mississauga, Ontario, Canada), and Hypercube, Inc. (Gainesville, Fla.).

These applications are largely designed for drugs specific to particular proteins; however, they can be adapted to the design of drugs specific to identified regions of DNA or RNA. Chemical libraries that can be used in the protocols described herein include those available, e.g., from ArQule, Inc. (Medford, Mass.) and Oncogene Science, Inc. (Uniondale, N.Y.).

In addition to designing and generating compounds that alter binding, as described above, libraries of known compounds, including natural products, synthetic chemicals, and biologically active materials including peptides, can be screened for compounds that are inhibitors or activators of the RNAi pathway components identified herein.

Compounds identified by methods described above can be used, for example, for elaborating the biological function of RNAi pathway gene products (e.g., an RDE-1), and to treat genetic disorders involving an RNAi pathway protein. Assays for testing the effectiveness of compounds such as those described herein are further described below.

In Vitro Screening Assays for Compounds that Bind to RNAi Pathway Proteins and Genes

In vitro systems can be used to identify compounds that interact with (e.g., bind to) RNAi pathway proteins or genes encoding those proteins (e.g., rde-1 and its protein product). Such compounds are useful, for example, for modulating the activity of these entities, elaborating their biochemistry, treating disorders in which a decrease or increase in dsRNA mediated genetic interference is desired. Such compounds may also be useful to treat diseases in animals, especially humans, involving nematodes, e.g., trichinosis, trichuriasis, and toxocariasis. Compounds such as those described herein may also be useful to treat plant diseases caused by nematodes. These compounds can be used in screens for compounds that disrupt normal function, or may themselves disrupt normal function.

Assays to identify compounds that bind to RNAi pathway proteins involve preparation of a reaction mixture of the protein and the test compound under conditions sufficient to allow the two components to interact and bind, thus forming a complex which can be removed and/or detected.

Screening assays can be performed using a number of methods. For example, an RNAi pathway protein from an organism (e.g., RDE-1), peptide, or fusion protein can be immobilized onto a solid phase, reacted with the test compound, and complexes detected by direct or indirect labeling of the test compound. Alternatively, the test compound can be immobilized, reacted with the RNAi pathway molecule, and the complexes detected. Microtiter plates may be used as the solid phase and the immobilized component anchored by covalent or noncovalent interactions. Non-covalent attachment may be achieved by coating the solid phase with a solution containing the molecule and drying. Alternatively, an antibody, for example, one specific for an RNAi pathway protein such as RDE-1 is used to anchor the molecule to the solid surface. Such surfaces may be prepared in advance of use, and stored.

In these screening assays, the non-immobilized component is added to the coated surface containing the immobilized component under conditions sufficient to permit interaction between the two components. The unreacted components are then removed (e.g., by washing) under conditions such that any complexes formed will remain immobilized on the solid phase. The detection of the complexes may be accomplished by a number of methods known to those in the art. For example, the nonimmobilized component of the assay may be prelabeled with a radioactive or enzymatic entity and detected using appropriate means. If the non-immobilized entity was not prelabeled, an indirect method is used. For example, if the non-immobilized entity is an RDE-1, an antibody against the RDE-1 is used to detect the bound molecule, and a secondary, labeled antibody used to detect the entire complex.

Alternatively, a reaction can be conducted in a liquid phase, the reaction products separated from unreacted components, and complexes detected (e.g., using an immobilized antibody specific for an RNAi pathway protein).

Cell-based assays can be used to identify compounds that interact with RNAi pathway proteins. Cell lines that naturally express such proteins or have been genetically engineered to express such proteins (e.g., by transfection or transduction of an rde-1 DNA) can be used. For example, test compounds can be administered to cell cultures and the amount of mRNA derived from an RNAi pathway gene analyzed, e.g., by Northern analysis. An increase in the amount of RNA transcribed from such a gene compared to control cultures that did not contain the test compound indicates that the test compound is an inhibitor of the RNAi pathway. Similarly, the amount of a polypeptide encoded by an RNAi pathway gene, or the activity of such a polypeptide, can be analyzed in the presence and absence of a test compound. An increase in the amount or activity of the polypeptide indicates that the test compound is an inhibitor of the RNAi pathway.

Ectopic Expression of an RNAi Pathway Gene

Ectopic expression (i.e., expression of an RNAi pathway gene in a cell where it is not normally expressed or at a time when it is not normally expressed) of a mutant RNAi pathway gene (i.e., an RNAi pathway gene that suppresses genetic interference) can be used to block or reduce endogenous interference in a host organism. This is useful, e.g., for enhancing transgene expression in those cases where the RNAi pathway is interfering with expression of a transgene. Another method of accomplishing this is to knockout or down regulate an RNAi pathway gene using methods known in the art. These methods are useful in both plants and animals (e.g., in an invertebrate such as a nematode, a mouse, or a human).

Ectopic expression of an RNAi pathway gene, e.g., rde-1 or rde-4 can also be used to activate the RNAi pathway. In some cases, targeting can be used to activate the pathway in specific cell types, e.g., tumor cells. For example, a non-viral RNAi pathway gene construct can be targeted in vivo to specific tissues or organs, e.g., the liver or muscle, in patients. Examples of delivery systems for targeting such constructs include receptor mediated endocytosis, liposome encapsulation (described below), or direct insertion of non-viral expression vectors.

An example of one such method is liposome encapsulation of nucleic acid. Successful in vivo gene transfer has been achieved with the injection of DNA, e.g., as a linear construct or a circular plasmid, encapsulated in liposomes (Ledley, Human Gene Therapy 6:1129-1144 (1995) and Farhood, et al., Ann. NY Acad. Sci. 716:23-35 (1994)). A number of cationic liposome amphiphiles are being developed (Ledley, Human Gene Therapy 6:1129-1144 (1995); Farhood, et al., Ann. NY Acad. Sci., 716:23-35 (1994) that can be used for this purpose.

Targeted gene transfer has been shown to occur using such methods. For example, intratracheal administration of cationic lipid-DNA complexes was shown to effect gene transfer and expression in the epithelial cells lining the bronchus (Brigham, et al., Am. J. Respir. Cell Mol. Biol. 8:209-213 (1993); and Canonico, et al., Am. J. Respir. Cell Mol. Biol. 10:24-29 (1994)). Expression in pulmonary tissues and the endothelium was reported after intravenous injection of the complexes (Brigham, et al., Am. J. Respir. Cell Mol. Biol. 8:209-213 (1993); Zhu, et al., Science, 261:209-211 (1993); Stewart, et al., Human Gene Therapy 3:267-275 (1992); Nabel, et al., Human Gene Therapy 3:649-656 (1992); and Canonico, et al., J. Appl. Physiol. 77:415-419 (1994)). An expression cassette for an RNAi pathway sequence in linear, plasmid or viral DNA forms can be condensed through ionic interactions with the cationic lipid to form a particulate complex for in vivo delivery (Stewart, et al., Human Gene Therapy 3:267-275 (1992)).

Other liposome formulations, for example, proteoliposomes which contain viral envelope receptor proteins, i.e., virosomes, have been found to effectively deliver genes into hepatocytes and kidney cells after direct injection (Nicolau, et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 80:1068-1072 (1993); Kaneda, et al., Science 243:375-378 (1989); Mannino, et al., Biotechniques 6:682 (1988); and Tomita, et al., Biochem. Biophys. Res. Comm. 186:129-134 (1992)).

Direct injection can also be used to administer an RNAi pathway nucleic acid sequence in a DNA expression vectors, e.g., into the muscle or liver, either as a solution or as a calcium phosphate precipitate (Wolff, et al., Science 247:1465-1468 (1990); Ascadi, et al., The New Biologist 3:71-81 (1991); and Benvenisty, et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 83:9551-9555 (1986).

Preparation of RNAi Agents

RNAi pathway components can be used to prepare RNAi agents. Such agents are dsRNAs that have been treated with RNAi pathway components rendering the treated dsRNA capable of activity in the RNAi pathway and can be used as sequence-specific interfering agents useful for targeted genetic interference. Specifically, treating a dsRNA with an RDE-1 and RDE-4 is useful for making an RNAi agent. An RNAi agent can be produced by preincubating a dsRNA in vitro in the presence of RDE-1 and RDE4.

Another method of preparing an RNAi agent is to activate the RNAi pathway in a target cell (i.e., a cell in which it is desirable to activate the RNAi pathway such as a tumor cell) by transgenesis of an rde-1 coding sequence and an rde-4 coding sequence into the target cell.

RNAi pathway polypeptides can be modified, e.g., to enhance their stability or cellular uptake, by attaching lipophilic or other helper groups to the polypeptide, by the formation of chimeras with proteins or other moieties that are taken up by cells, or by the use of liposomes or other techniques of drug delivery known in the art.

In C. elegans, RNAi agents appear to spread from cell to cell, thus, active RNAi agents can diffuse or be actively transported from conditioned media or serum directly into target cells. Alternatively, RNAi agents can be injected into an organism or cell. They may also be incorporated into a cell using liposomes or other such methods known in the art.

Such methods are useful for stimulating the RNAi pathway in C. elegans cells, and in heterologous cells including plants and vertebrate cells. Such methods are useful in mammalian, e.g., human cells.

Enhanced Delivery of a Cargo Compound

RNAi pathway components that mediate the transport of dsRNA into cells and tissues can be used to promote the entry of dsRNA into cells and tissues, including dsRNA that is linked to another compound. The method is accomplished by linking dsRNA to a cargo compound (e.g., a drug or DNA molecule), e.g., by a covalent bond. The endogenous RNAi pathway gene expressing dsRNA transport function is activated using methods known in the art. Alternatively, other methods can be used such as transfecting the target cell with the gene that affects transport thus pemmitting the cell or tissue to take up the dsDNA.

EXAMPLES

The invention is further described in the Examples below which describe methods of identifying mutations in the RNAi pathway and methods of identifying genes encoding components of the RNAi pathway.

Example 1 Strains and Alleles

The Bristol strain N2 was used as standard wild-type strain. The marker mutations and deficiencies used are listed by chromosomes as follows: LGI: dpy-14(e188), unc-13(e51); LGIII: dpy-17(e164), unc-32(e189); LGV: dpy-11(e224), unc-42(e270), daf-11(m87), eDf1, mDf3, nDf31, sDf29, sDf35, unc-76(e911). The C. elegans strain DP13 was used to generate hybrids for STS linkage-mapping (Williams et al., 1992, Genetics 131:609-624).

Sensitivity to RNAi was tested in the following strains. MT3126: mut-2(r459) (obtained from John Collins, Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of New Hampshire, Durham, N.H.); dpy-19(n1347), TW410:mut-2(r459) sem-4(n1378), NL917: mut-7(pk204), SS552: mes-2(bn76) rol-1(e91)/mnC1 (obtained from S. Strome, Biology Dept., Indiana University), SS449: mes-3(bn88) dpy-5(e61) (from S. Strome, supra); hDp20, SS268: dpy-11(e224) mes-4(bn23) unc-76(e911)/nT1, SS360: mes-6(bn66) dpy-20(e1282)/nT1, CB879: him-1(e879). A non-Unc mut-6 strain used was derived from RW7096: mut-6(st702) unc-22(st192::Tc1), due to the loss of Tc1 insertion in unc-22.

Homozygous mutants of mut-6, mes-2, 3, 4, 6 and him-1 showed sensitivity to RNAi by injection of pos-1 dsRNA. The dose of injected RNA was about 0.7 mg/ml. This dose lies within the range where reduced concentration leads to reduced interference effects. The results of the injection of pos-1 dsRNA into these mutants (dead embryos/F1 progeny) were as follows: mut-6: 422/437, mes-2: 781/787, mes-3: 462/474, mes-4: 810/814, mes-6: 900/1,002, him-1: 241/248, N2 (control): 365/393.

To test mutator activity, a mutant that was caused by Tc4 transposon insertion was used; TR1175: unc-22([765::Tc4). Strains TW410 and TR1175 were gifts from Q. Boese and J. Collins (Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of New Hampshire, Durham, N.H.).

Example 2 RNA Interference Assay

Genetic interference using RNAi administered by microinjection was performed as described in Fire et al., 1998, supra and Rocheleau et al., 1997, Cell 90:707-716. pos-1 cDNA clone yk61h1, par-2 cDNA clone yk96h7, sqt-3 cDNA clone yk75f2 were used to prepare dsRNA in vitro. These cDNA clones were obtained from the C. elegans cDNA project (Y. Kohara, Gene Network Lab, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima 411, Japan).

Genetic interference using RNAi administered by feeding was performed as described in Timmons and Fire, 1998, Nature 395:854. pos-1 cDNA was cloned into a plasmid that contains two T7 promoter sequences arranged in head-to-head configuration. The plasmid was transformed into an E. coli strain, BL21 (DE3), and the transformed bacteria were seeded on NGM (nematode growth medium) plates containing 60 μg/ml ampicillin and 80 μg/ml IPTG. The bacteria were grown overnight at room temperature to induce pos-1 dsRNA. Seeded plates (BL21(DE3)[dsRNA] plates) stored at 4° C. remained effective for inducing interference for up to two weeks. To test RNAi sensitivity, C. elegans larvae were transferred onto BL21(DE3)[dsRNA] plates and embryonic lethality was assayed in the next generation.

Transgenic lines expressing interfering RNA for unc-22 were engineered using a mixture of three plasmids: pPD[L4218] (unc-22 antisense segment, driven by myo-3 promoter); pPD[L4218] (corresponding unc-22 sense segment, driven by myo-3 promoter); pRF4 (semidominant transformation marker). DNA concentrations in the injected mixture were 100 μg/ml each. Injections were as described (Mello et al., 1991, EMBO J. 10:3959; Mello and Fire, 1995, Methods in Cell Biol. 48:451-482).

Example 3 Identification of RNAi-Deficient Mutants

A method of screening for mutants defective in the RNAi pathway was devised that would permit the large-scale application of dsRNA to mutagenized populations. Feeding worms E. coli which express a dsRNA, or simply soaking worms in dsRNA solution, are both sufficient to induce interference in C. elegans (Timmons and Fire, 1998, supra; Tabara et al., 1998, Science 282:430431). To carry out a selection, the feeding method was optimized to deliver interfering RNA for an essential gene, pos-1. C. elegans hermaphrodites that ingest bacteria expressing dsRNA corresponding to a segment of pos-1 are themselves unaffected but produce dead embryos with the distinctive pos-1 embryonic lethal phenotype.

To identify strains defective in the RNAi pathway, wild-type animals were mutagenized, backcrossed, and the F2 generation examined for rare individuals that were able to produce complete broods of viable progeny. Chemical mutagenesis was used to generate the mutations as well as spontaneous mutations arising in the mut-6 strain in which Tc1 transposons are activated (Mori et al., 1988, Genetics 120:397-407). To facilitate screens for mutations, an egg laying starting strain was used. In the absence of egg laying, the F3 progeny remained trapped within the mother's cuticle. Candidate mutants had internally hatched broods of viable embryos and were thus easily distinguished from the background population of individuals filled primarily with dead embryos (FIG. 1A). Candidates were then re-tested for resistance to injected dsRNA.

The genetic screen used to isolate RNAi pathway mutants was similar to one designed by James R. Preiss for the identification of maternal effect mutants (Kemphues et al., 1988, Cell 52:311-320). An Egl strain, lin-2(e]309) was mutagenized with EMS and the F2 generation was cultured on a bacterial lawn expressing pos-1 dsRNA. Mutagenized populations were then screened for rare individuals that were able to produce complete broods of viable progeny forming a distinctive “bag of worms” phenotype. To make sure that the animals were truly resistant to RNAi, candidate strains were next assayed for resistance to RNAi by injection. Independent EMS induced alleles of rde-1 were found in two separate pools of mutagenized animals at a frequency of approximately one allele in 2,000 to 4,000 haploid genomes.

In addition, a search was made for spontaneous mutants using a mut-6 strain in which Tc1 transposons are activated (Mori et al., 1988). 100,000 mut-6; lin-2 animals (Mello et al., 1994) were cultured on bacteria expressing pos-1 dsRNA. After one generation of growth, surviving animals were transferred again to plates with bacteria expressing the dsRNA and screened for resistant mutants. Three resulting strains were genetically mapped. One of these strains (ne300) mapped to LGV and failed to complement rde-1(ne219). Two strains ne299 and ne301 mapped to LGIII and define the rde-4 complementation group. Because the screen was clonal in nature and involved rounds of enrichment it is possible that both rde-4 strains are related.

Seven mutant strains were selected for genetic mapping. These seven mutants defined four complementation groups; rde-1, with three alleles, rde-4, with two alleles, and rde-2, and rde-3, with one allele each (FIG. 1B).

To map the RNAi defective mutations, the RNAi resistant phenotype was assayed either by feeding bacteria expressing pos-1 dsRNA or by injection of a dsRNA mixture of pos-1 and unc-22. The same assays were used for complementation tests. In vivo expression of unc-22 dsRNA was also used for mapping of rde-1. Mapping with visible marker mutations was performed as described in Brenner (1974, Genetics, 77:71-94) and mapping with STS marker was performed as described in Williams et al. (1992, supra).

ne219, ne297 and ne300 failed to complement each other, defining the rde-1 locus. rde-1 mutations mapped near unc-42 V. Three factor mapping was used to locate rde-1(ne300) one eighth of the distance from unc-42 in the unc-42/daf-11 interval (3/24 Unc-non-Daf recombinants analyzed). The rde-1(ne300) allele complemented the chromosomal deficiency sDf29 and failed to complement eDf1, mDj3, nDJ31 and sDf35. rde-2(ne221) and rde-3(ne298) mapped near unc-13 I. rde-2 complemented rde-3. rde-4(ne299) and (ne301) mapped near unc-69 μl and failed to complement each other. ne299 complemented mut-7(pk204).

The rde-1(+) activity is sufficient maternally or zygotically. To test the maternal sufficiency, animals heterozygous for rde-1(ne219) were injected with dsRNA targeting the zygotic gene, sqt-3, and self progeny were assayed for the Sqt phenotype. 100% of the self progeny including rde-1 homozygous progeny were found to exhibit the Sqt phenotype. Thus, maternally provided rde-1(+) activity is sufficient to mediate interference with a zygotic target gene. Zygotic sufficiency was assayed by injecting homozygous rde-1 mothers with dsRNA targeting the zygotic unc-22 gene (FIG. 3). Injected animals were allowed to produce self-progeny or instead were mated after 12 hours to wild-type males, to produce heterozygous rde/+ cross-progeny. Each class of progeny was scored for the unc-22 twitching phenotype as indicated by the fraction shown if FIG. 3 (Unc progeny/total progeny). The injected animals were then mated with wild-type males. Self progeny from homozygous injected mothers were unaffected, however, 68% of the cross progeny were Unc. This result indicates that zygotically provided rde-1(+) activity is also sufficient. However both maternal and zygotic rde-1(+) activity contribute to zygotic interference as 100% of progeny from wild-type injected mothers exhibit unc-22 interference (606/606). Thus, rde-1(+) and rde-4(+) activities are not needed for dsRNA uptake, transport or stability.

RNAi sensitivity of several existing C. elegans mutants was also examined. Most of these mutant strains were fully sensitive to RNAi. However, RNAi resistance was identified in two strains that had previously been shown to exhibit elevated levels of transposon mobilization (mutator strains): mut-2 (described in Collins et al., 1987, Nature 328:726-728) and mut-7 (described in Ketting et al., Cell, in press for release on Oct. 15, 1999). Another mutator strain, mut-6(st702), was fully sensitive to RNAi. Since mutator strains continually accumulate mutations, the resistance of mut-2 and mut-7 may have been due to the presence of secondary mutations. To test this possibility we examined the genetic linkage between the mutator and RNAi resistance phenotypes of mut-2 and mut-7. We found that independently outcrossed mut-2(r459) mutator strains TW410 and MT3126 both showed resistance to RNAi. We mapped the RNAi resistance phenotype of mut-7(pk204) to the center of linkage group III (FIG. 1B), the position that had been defined for the mutator activity of mut-7(pk204) by Ketting et al. (supra). Together, these observations indicate that the RNAi resistance phenotypes of the mut-2 and mut-7 strains are genetically linked to their mutator activities. Animals heterozygous for the rde and mut alleles were generated by crossing wild-type males with Unc-Rde or Unc-Mut hermaphrodites. The rde and mut mutations appeared to be simple recessive mutations with the exception of mut-2(r459), which appeared to be weakly dominant (FIG. 2A).

These data demonstrate that some genes are non-essential (e.g., rde-1 and rde-4).

This method can be used to identify additional mutations in RNAi pathway genes.

Example 4 Identification of Properties of RNAi-Deficient Mutants

Effects of rde Mutations in Germline and Somatic Tissues

Microinjection was used to assay the sensitivity of each rde strain to several distinct dsRNA species. The pos-1 and par-2 genes are expressed in the maternal germline and are required for proper embryonic development (Tabara et al., 1999, Development 126:1-11; Boyd et al., 1996, Development 122:3075-3084). All rde-strains tested (as well as mut-2 and mut-7) showed significant resistance to dsRNA targeting of these germline-specific genes (FIG. 2B), as well as to several other germline specific genes tested. The rde-3 data (asterisk in FIG. 2B) includes a 10% non-specific embryonic lethality present in the rde-3 strain.

To examine the effect of these mutations on genetic interference of somatically expressed genes, cells were injected with dsRNA targeting the cuticle collagen gene sqt-3 and the body muscle structural gene unc-22. sqt-3 hypomorphic mutants exhibit a short, dumpy body shape (dpy; van der Keyl et al., 1994, Dev. Dyn. 201:86-94). unc-22 mutations exhibit severe paralysis with a distinctive body twitching phenotype (Moerman et al., 1986, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 83:2579-2583). rde-1, rde-3, rde-4 and mut-2 strains showed strong resistance to both sqt-3 and unc-22 dsRNA, while rde-2 and mut-7 strains showed partial resistance. Thus rde-2 and mut-7 appeared to be partially tissue- or gene-specific in that they were required for effective RNAi against germline but not somatically expressed genes. The rde-1, rde-3, rde-4, and mut-2 (+) activities appeared to be required for interference for all genes analyzed. The rde and mut strains differ from one another in sensitivity to sqt-2 dsRNA.

Effect of rde on Transposon Mobilization

The effect of rde mutations on transposon mobilization was examined. Two of the newly identified mutants, rde-2 and rde-3 exhibited a level of transposon activation similar to that of mut-7 (Table 1). In contrast, transposon mobilization was not observed in the presence of rde-1 or rde-4 (Table 1). TABLE 1 TRANSPOSON MOBILIZATION AND MALE INCIDENCE IN rde AND mut STRAINS Percentage of Non-Unc Revertants unc-22 (r765::Tc4) 0 (0/2000) rde-1 (ne219); 0 (0/4000) unc-22 (r765::Tc4) rde-2 (ne221; 0.96 (8/830) unc-22 (r765::Tc4) rde-3 (ne298); 1.6 (35/2141) unc-22 (r765::Tc4) rde-4 (ne299); 0 (0/2885) unc-22 (r765::Tc4) mut-7 (pk204); 1.0 (40/3895) unc-22 (r765::Tc4) Percentage of Male Animals Wild type (n2) 0.21 (2/934) rde-1 (ne219) 0.07 (1/1530) rde-2 (ne221) 3.2 (25/788) rde-3 (ne298) 7.8 (71/912) rde-4 (ne299) 0.24 (5/2055) X-Chromosome Loss

Mutator strains (including mut-2, mut-7) rde-2 and rde-3) exhibit a second phenotype: a high incidence of males reflecting an increased frequency of X-chromosome loss during meiosis (Collins et al., 1987, supra; Ketting et al., supra). This phenotype was observed in rde-2 and rde-3 strains, but not observed in the rde-1 and rde-4 strains which showed a wild-type incidence of males (Table 1).

A previously described gene-silencing process appears to act on transgenes in the germline of C. elegans. Although the silencing mechanisms are not well understood, they are known to depend on the products of the genes mes-2, 3, 4 and 6 (Kelly and Fire, 1998, Development 125:2451-2456). To examine the possibility that the RNAi and germline transgene-silencing might share common mechanistic features, we first asked if the mes mutants were resistant to RNAi. We found normal levels of RNA interference in each of these strains. We next asked if RNAi deficient strains were defective in transgene-silencing. Three strains were analyzed: mut-7(pk204), rde-1(ne219) and rde-2(ne221).

To analyze transgene silencing in mut-7 worms, homozygous mut-7 lines carrying various GFP reporters transgenes were generated as follows: N2 (Bristol strain) males were mated to mut-7 (pk204) unc-32 (e189) hermaphrodites; cross progeny males were then mated to strains carrying the GFP transgenes. mut-7 unc-32/++cross progeny from these matings were cloned, and mut-7 unc-32 homozygous animals carrying the transgenes were isolated from their self-progeny. After the GFP reporter transgenes were introduced into different genetic backgrounds, activation of GFP transgene expression in germ cells was assayed at 25□C by fluorescence microscopy. The tested GFP reporter transgenes were each active in some or all somatic tissues, but had become silenced in the germline. The plasmids used and transgene designations are as follows: 1) pBK48 which contains an in-frame insertion of GFP into a ubiquitously expressed gene, let-858 (Kelly, et al., 1997, Genetics 146:227-238). ccExPD7271 contains more than 100 copies of pBK48 in a high copy repetitive array that is carried extrachromosomally. 2) pJH3.92 is an in-frame fusion of GFP with the maternal pie-1 gene (M. Dunn and G. Seydoux, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Md.). jhEx1070 carries pJH3.92 in a low copy “complex” extrachromosomal array generated by the procedure of Kelly et al. (1997, supra) pJKL380.4 is a fusion of GFP with the C. elegans nuclear laminin gene, lam-1, which is expressed in all tissues (J. Liu and A. Fire). ccIn4810 carries pJKL380.4 in a complex array that has been integrated into the X chromosome by gamma irradiation using standard techniques.

The mut-7 strain was analyzed most extensively and was found to exhibit desilencing of three different germline transgenes tested (Table 2). The rde-2 strain exhibited a similar level of desilencing for a single transgene. In contrast, no transgene desilencing was observed in rde-1 mutants (Table 2). Thus, mut-7 and rde-2 which differ from rde-1 in having transposon mobilization and a high incidence of X-chromosome loss also differ from rde-1 in their ability to partially reactivate silent germline transgenes. TABLE 2 REACTIVATION OF SILENCED TRANSGENES IN THE GERMLINE OF mut-7(pk204) Percentage of Germline Genotype Transgene Array Desilencing +/+ ccEx7271 8.3 (4/48) mut-71+ ccEx7271 14.5 (7/48) mut-7/mut-7 ccEx7271 91.0 (71/78) +/+ jhEx1070 3.9 (2/51) mut-7/mut-7 jhEx1070 86.5 (32/37) +/+ ccin4810 4.3 (2/46) mut-7/mut-7 ccin4810 73.3 (33/45) rde-1/rde-1 ccEx7271 0 (0/34)

Example 5 Requirement for rde-1(+) and rde-4(+) Activities in Tarzet Tissue

The rde-1 and rde-4 mutants differ from other RNAi deficient strains identified herein in that they do not cause transposon mobilization nor do they cause chromosome loss. The role of these genes in upstream events such as dsRNA uptake, transport or stability was examined. Such events could be required for interference induced by exogenous trigger RNAs but might be dispensable for natural functions of RNAi. To evaluate these upstream events, rde-1 and rde-4 homozygotes were exposed to dsRNA. The next generation was scored for interference. dsRNA targeting the unc-22 gene was injected into the intestinal cells of homozygous rde-1 and rde-4 hermaphrodites and the injected animals were then mated to wild-type males (FIG. 3). The self-progeny for both strains exhibited no interference with the targeted gene. However, there was potent interference in the rde-1/+ and rde-4/+cross progeny (FIG. 3). These observations indicated that rde-1 and rde-4 mutants have intact mechanisms for transporting the interference effect from the site of injection (the intestine) into the embryos of the injected animal and then into the tissues of the resulting progeny. The stability of the resulting interference also appeared to be normal in rde-1 and rde-4 as the homozygous injected mothers continued to produce affected cross progeny for several days after the time of injection.

To examine whether rde-1 and rde-4 mutants could block interference caused by dsRNA expressed directly in the target tissue, the muscle-specific promoter from the myo-3 gene (Dibb et al., 1989, J. Mol. Biol. 205:605-613) was used to drive the expression of both strands of the muscle structural gene unc-22 in the body wall muscles (Moerman et al., 1986, supra; Fire et al., 1991, Development 113:503-514). A mixture of three plasmids was injected: [myo-3 promoter::unc-22 antisense], [myo-3::unc-22 sense], and a marker plasmid (pRF4[rol-6(su1006gf)] [Mello et al., 1991]). Frequencies of Unc transgenic animals were followed in F1 and F2 generations. The ^(a)Unc phenotype was weak. Wild-type animals bearing this transgene exhibit a strong twitching phenotype consistent with unc-22 interference. The twitching phenotype was strongly suppressed by both rde-1 and rde-4 mutants (Table 3). The mut-7 and rde-2 mutants which are both sensitive to unc-22(RNAi) by microinjection were also sensitive to promoter driven unc-22 interference in the muscle (Table 3). Taken together these findings suggest that rde-1(+) and rde-4(+) activities are not necessary for uptake or stability of the interfering RNA and may function directly in the target tissue. TABLE 3 SENSITIVITY OF rde AND mut STRAINS TO TRANSGENE-DRIVEN INTERFERING RNA Unc Animals in Unc F2 Lines in Transgenic F1 Inherited Lines Wild type (N2) 26/59  10/11 rde-1 (ne219) 0/25 0/3 rde-2 (ne221) 35/72  14/14 rde-3 (ne298) 1^(a)/38  1^(a)/9  rde-4 (ne299) 0/51 0/4 mut-7 (pk204) 9/13 3/3

Example 6 Molecular Identification of the rde-1 Gene

The rde-1 gene was cloned using standard genetic mapping to define a physical genetic interval likely to contain the gene using YACs and cosmids that rescue rde-1 mutants. These were used to identify a cloned rde-1 cDNA sequence and a cloned rde-4 sequence. These methods can also be used to identify the genes for rde-2, rde-3, and rde-5 using the mutant strains provided herein.

To clone an rde-1 gene, yeast artificial chromosome clones (YACs) containing C. elegans DNA from this interval were used to rescue the rde-1 mutant phenotype. To facilitate this analysis candidate rescuing YACs were co-injected with plasmids designed to express unc-22(RNAi). YAC and cosmid clones that mapped near the rde-1 locus were obtained from A. Coulson. rde-1(ne219) was rescued by YAC clones: Y97C12 and Y50B5. The two overlapping YAC clones provided rde-1 rescuing activity as indicated by unc-22 genetic interference with characteristic body paralysis and twitching in the F 1 and F2 transgenic animals. In contrast a non-overlapping YAC clone failed to rescue resulting in 100% non-twitching transgenic strains (FIG. 4A).

The rescuing activity was further localized to two overlapping cosmid clones, cosmid C27H6 and T10A5, and finally to a single 4.5 kb genomic PCR fragment predicted to contain a single gene, designated K08H10.7 (SEQ ID NO:1; FIGS. 5A-5C) The K08H10.7 PCR product gave strong rescue when amplified from wild-type genomic DNA. This rescue was greatly diminished using a PCR fragment amplified from any of the three rde-1 alleles and was abolished by a 4 bp insertion at a unique NheI site in the rde-1 coding region. A wild-type PCR product from an adjacent gene C27H6.4, also failed to rescue.

The K08H10.7 gene from each of the rde-1 mutant strains was sequenced, and distinct point mutations were identified that are predicted to alter coding sequences in K08H10.7 (FIG. 4A). Based on these findings rde-1 can be identified as the K08H10.7 gene.

A full-length cDNA sequence was determined for rde-1 using the cDNA clones, yk296b10 and yk595h5. cDNA clones for rde-1 were obtained from Y. Kohara (Gene Network Lab, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima 411, Japan). The cDNA sequence of coding region and 3′UTR was determined on yk296b10 except that the sequence of 5′UTR was determined on yk595h5. The GenBank accession number for rde-1 cDNA is AF180730 (SEQ ID NO:2). The rde-1 cDNA sequence was used to generate a predicted translation product (SEQ ID NO:3), referred to as RDE-1, consisting of 1020 amino acids. The RDE-1 sequence was used to query Genbank and identify numerous related genes in C. elegans as well as other animals and plants. This gene family includes at least 23 predicted C. elegans genes, several of which appear to be members of conserved subfamilies. Within subfamilies, conservation extends throughout the protein and all family members have a carboxy-terminal region that is highly conserved (FIG. 4B). Besides the genes shown in FIG. 4B, other related genes include ARGONAUTE 1(Arabidopsis), SPCC736.11(S. pombe), and Piwi (Drosophila). A portion of the N terminal region of RDE-1 showed no significant similarity to any of the identified related genes. There are no defined functional motifs within this gene family, but members including RDE-1 are predicted to be cytoplasmic or nuclear by PSORT analysis (Nakai and Horton, 1999, Trends Biochem. Sci. 24:34-36). Furthermore, one family member named eIF2C has been identified as a component of a cytoplasmic protein fraction isolated from rabbit reticulocyte lysates. The RDE-1 protein is most similar to the rabbit eIF2C. However, two other C. elegans family members are far more similar to eIF2C than is RDE-1 (FIG. 4B). RDE-1 may provide sequence-specific inhibition of translation initiation in response to dsRNA.

The rde-1 mutations appear likely to reduce or eliminate rde-1(+) activity. Two rde-1 alleles ne219 and ne297 are predicted to cause amino acid substitutions within the RDE-1 protein and were identified at a frequency similar to that expected for simple loss-of-function mutations. The rde-1(ne219) lesion alters a conserved glutamate to a lysine (FIG. 4B). The rde-1(ne297) lesion changes a non-conserved glycine, located four residues from the end of the protein, to a glutamate (FIG. 4B). The third allele, ne300, contains the strongest molecular lesion and is predicted to cause a premature stop codon prior to the most highly conserved region within the protein (Q>Ochre in FIG. 4B). Consistent with the idea that rde-1(ne300) is a strong loss of function mutation, we found that when placed in trans to a chromosomal deficiency the resulting deficiency trans-heterozyotes were RNAi deficient but showed no additional phenotypes. These observations suggest that rde-1 alleles are simple loss-of-function mutations affecting a gene required for RNAi but that is otherwise non-essential.

Because of its upstream role RNA interference (see Examples 8-10 below), the RDE-1 protein and fragments thereof can be used to prepare dsRNA that is useful as an RNAi agent.

Example 7 Maternal Establishment and Paternal Transmission of RNAi

To examine whether the interference effect induced by RNAi exhibited linkage to the target gene (e.g., was involved in a reversible alteration of the gene or associated chromatin), a strain was constructed such that the F1 males that carry the RNAi effect also bear a chromosomal deletion that removes the target gene (FIG. 7B). In the case of linkage to the target gene, the RNAi effect would be transmitted as a dominant factor.

In experiments testing the linkage of the interference effect to the target gene, three different species of dsRNA (pos-1 dsRNA, mom-2 dsRNA, or sgg-1 dsRNA) were delivered into C. elegans in independent experiments. The dsRNA was delivered by injection through a needle inserted into the intestine. In general, dsRNA was synthesized in vitro using T3 and T7 polymerases. Template DNA was removed from the RNA samples by DNase treatment (30 minutes at 37° C.). Equal amounts of sense and antisense RNAs were then mixed and annealed to obtain dsRNA. dsRNA at a concentration of 1-5 mg/ml was injected into the intestine of animals. In control experiments, mixtures of linearized template DNA plasmids used for synthesizing RNA failed to induce interference in P0, F1, or F2 animals when injected into the intestine of hermaphrodites at a concentration of 0.2 mg/ml. FIG. 7A illustrates this experiment. The gonad of the parent (P0) hermaphrodite has symmetrical anterior and posterior U-shaped arms as shown in FIG. 7A. Several fertilized eggs are shown in FIG. 7A, centrally located in the uterus. The rectangular mature oocytes are cued up in the gonad arms most proximal to the uterus. The embryos present in P0 at the time of injection gave rise to unaffected F1 progeny. Oocytes in the proximal arms of the injected P0 gonad inherit the RNAi effect but also carry a functional maternal mRNA (F1 carriers of RNAi).

After a clearance period during which carrier and unaffected F1 progeny are produced, the injected P0 begins to exclusively produce dead F1 embryos with the phenotype corresponding to the inactivation of the gene targeted by the injected RNA (Tabara et al. 1999, Development 126:1; C. Rocheleau, 1997, Cell 90:707). Potential F1 and F2 carriers of the interference effect were identified within the brood of the injected animal. In the case of hermaphrodites, carriers were defined as “affected” if the animals produced at least 20% dead embryos with phenotypes corresponding to maternal loss of function for the targeted locus. In the case of males, carriers were defined as animals whose cross progeny included at least one affected F2 hermaphrodite. The total number of carriers identified in each generation for each of three dsRNAs injected is shown in FIG. 7A as a fraction of the total number of animals assayed.

To examine the extragenic inheritance of RNAi, experiments were carried out investigating whether sperm that inherit the deletion and therefore have no copies of the target locus could carry the interference effect into the F2 generation. F1 males that carried both pos-1 (RNAi) and a chromosomal deficiency for the pos-1 locus were generated. The chromosome carrying the deficiency for pos-1 also carried a deficiency for phenotypically uncoordinated (unc). F2 progeny of the carrier male includes two genotypes: phenotypically wild-type animals that inherit the (+) chromosome, and phenotypically uncoordinated (Unc) progeny that inherit the mDf3 chromosome. In these experiments, the deficiency bearing sperm were just as capable as wild-type sperm of transferring interference to the F2 hermaphrodite progeny (FIG. 7B). Thus, the target locus was not needed for inheritance of the interference effect.

Surprisingly, although males were sensitive to RNAi and could inherit and transmit RNAi acquired from their mothers, direct injections into males failed to cause transmission of RNAi to the F1 for several genes tested. In an example of this type of protocol, wild type males were injected with targeting dsRNA: body muscle structural gene unc-22, cuticle collagen gene sqt-3, maternal genes pos-1 and sgg-1. Males of the pes-10::gfp strain (Seydoux, G. and Dunn, M A, 1997, Development 124:2191-2201 were injected with gfp dsRNA. Injected males were affected by unc-22 and gfp dsRNA to the same extent as injected hermaphrodites. No RNAi interference was detected in F1 progeny or injected males (40 to 200 μl animals scored for each RNA tested. Therefore, the initial transmission of RNAi to F 1 progeny may involve a mechanism active only in hermaphrodites while subsequent transmission to the F2 progeny appears to involve a distinct mechanism, active in both hermaphrodites and males. The hermaphrodite-specific step may indicate the existence of a maternal germline process that amplifies the RNAi agent. These data show that extracts from the maternal germline tissues of C. elegans may be used in conjunction with RDE-1 and RDE-4 activity to create and to then amplify RNAi agents.

In addition, the germline factors that amplify the RNAi agents can be identified by mutations that result in an RNAi deficient mutant phenotype. Such factors can be used as additional components of an in vitro system for the efficient amplification of RNAi agents.

Example 8 Sufficiency of Wild-Type Activities of rde-1, rde-2, mut-7, and rde-4 in Injected Animals for Interference Among F1 Self Progeny

To investigate whether the activities of rde-1, rde-2, rde-4, and mut-7, respectively, are sufficient in injected hermaphrodites for interference in the F1 and F2 generations, crosses were designed such that wild-type activities of these genes would be present in the injected animal but absent in the F1 or F2 generations. To examine inheritance in the F1 generation, (hermaphrodite) mothers heterozygous for each mutant (P0) were injected, allowed to produce self-progeny (F1) and the homozygous mutant progeny in the F1 generation were examined for genetic interference (FIG. 8A). To do this, the heterozygous hermaphrodites from each genotype class, rde-1, unc-42/+; rde-2, unc-13/+; mut-7, dpy-17+; and rde-4, unc-69/+ (the following alleles were used in this study: rde-1(ne300) unc-42, rde-1(ne219), rde-2(ne221), rde-4(ne299), and mut-7(pk2040) were injected withpos-1 dsRNA. In each case, two types of F1 self progeny, distinguished by the presence of the linked marker mutations, were scored for interference (FIG. 8A). In these experiments the rde-1 and rde-4 mutant F1 progeny exhibited robust interference, comparable to wild-type, while the rde-2 and mut-7 μl progeny failed to do so. In control experiments, homozygous F1 progeny from heterozygous (uninjected) mothers were directly injected withpos-1 dsRNA (FIG. 8B). Injection of dsRNA directly into the rde-1 and rde-4 mutant progeny of uninjected heterozygous mothers failed to result in interference. Thus, injection of dsRNA into heterozygous hermaphrodites resulted in an inherited interference effect that triggered gene silencing in otherwise RNAi resistant rde-1 and rde-4 mutant F1 progeny while rde-2 and mut-7 mutant F1 progeny remained resistant.

In this experiment, the expression of rde-1(+) and rde-4(+) in the injected animal was sufficient for interference in later generations.

These data suggest that treatment of a dsRNA with functional rde-1 and rde-4 gene products can produce an agent that activates the remainder of the RNAi pathway.

Example 9 Requirements for rde-1, rde-2, rde-4, and mut-7 in F1 and F2 Interference

To examine the genetic requirements for RNAi genes in the F2 generation, F1 male progeny were generated that carry the interference effect as well as one mutant copy of each respective locus; rde-1, rde-2, and mut-7 (FIG. 9A). Each of these males was then backcrossed with uninjected hermaphrodites homozygous for each corresponding mutant (FIG. 9A). The resulting cross progeny (F1) included 50% heterozygotes and 50% homozygotes that were distinguished by the presence of the linked marker mutations. The heterozygous siblings served as controls and in each case exhibited interference at a frequency similar to that seen in wild-type animals (FIG. 9A). In these crosses, rde-2 and mut-7 homozygous F2 progeny failed to exhibit interference, indicating that the activities of these two genes are required for interference in the F2 generation. In contrast, we found that homozygous rde-1 F2 animals exhibited wild-type levels of F2 interference (FIG. 9A). Control rde-1 homozygotes generated through identical crosses were completely resistant to pos-1::RNAi when challenged de novo with dsRNA in the F2 generation. In these experiments, 35 rde-1 homozygous animals generated through crosses shown in FIG. 9A were tested by feeding bacteria expressing pos-1 dsRNA, and 21 similar animals were tested by direct injections of pos-1 dsRNA. All animals tested were resistant to pos-1 (RNAi). Thus, rde-1 activity in the preceding generations was sufficient to allow interference to occur in rde-1 mutant F2 animals while the wild-type activities of rde-2 and mut-7 were required directly in the F2 animals for interference.

In this experiment, the expression of rde-1(+) and rde-4(+) in the injected animal was sufficient for interference in later generations. The wild-type activities of the rde-2 and mut-7 genes were required for interference in all generations asayed. Thus, rde-2 and mut-7 might be required only downstream or might also function along with rde-1 and rde-4.

These data lend additional support to the concept that an appropriately treated dsRNA could be used as an RNAi agent.

Example 10 Sufficiency of rde-1 Activity to Initiate RNA Interference in Injected Animals That Lack the Wild-Type Activities of rde-2. mut-7, or rde-4

To ask if rde-2 and mut-7 activities function along with or downstream of rde-1, genetic cross experiments were designed in which the activities of these genes were present sequentially (FIG. 9B). For example, rde-1(+); rde-2(−) animals were injected with pos-1 dsRNA and then crossed to generate F1 hermaphrodites homozygous for rde-1(−); rde-2(+). In these experiments rde-1(+) activity in the injected animals was sufficient for F1 interference even when the injected animals were homozygous for rde-2 or mut-7 mutations (FIG. 10B). In contrast, rde-1(+) activity in the injected animals was not sufficient when the injected animals were homozygous for rde-4 mutant (FIG. 10B). Thus, rde-1 can act independently of rde-2 and mut-7 in the injected animal, but rde-1 and rde-4 must function together. These findings are consistent with the model that rde-1 and rde-4 function in the formation of the inherited interfering agent (i.e., an RNAi agent) while rde-2 and mut-7 function at a later step necessary for interference.

In summary, the above Examples provide genetic evidence for the formation and transmission of extragenic interfering agents in the C. elegans germline. Two C. elegans genes, rde-1, and rde-4, appear to be necessary for the formation of these extragenic agents but not for interference mediated by them. In contrast, the activities of two other genes, rde-2 and mut-7, are required only downstream for interference.

These examples provide evidence that the rde-1 and rde-4 gene products or their homologs (e.g., from a mammal) can be used to prepare agents effective in activating the RNAi pathway.

Example 11 rde-4 Sequences

An rde-4 gene was cloned using methods similar to those described in Example 6. The nucleic acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:4) and predicted amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:5) are illustrated in FIG. 10.

Analysis of the rde-4 nucleic acid sequence shows that it encodes a protein (RDE-4) with similarities to dsRNA binding proteins. Examples of the homology to X1RBPA (SEQ ID NO:6; Swissprot: locus TRBP_XENLA, accession Q91836; Eckmann and Jantsch, 0.1997, J. Cell Biol. 138:239-253) and HSPKR (SEQ ID NO:7; AAF13156.1; Xu and Williams, 1998, J. Interferon Cytokine Res. 18:609-616), and a consensus sequence (SEQ ID NO:8) are shown in FIG. 11. Three regions have been identified within the predicted RDE-4 protein corresponding to conserved regions found in all members of this dsRNA binding domain family. These regions appear to be important for proper folding of the dsRNA binding domain. Conserved amino acid residues, important for interactions with the backbone of the dsRNA helix, are found in all members of the protein family including RDE-4 (see consensus residues in FIG. 11). This motif is thought to provide for general non-sequence-specific interactions with dsRNA. The RDE-4 protein contains conserved protein folds that are thought to be important for the assembly of the dsRNA binding domain in this family of proteins. Conserved amino acid residues in RDE-4 are identical to those that form contacts with the dsRNA in the crystal structure of the X1RBP dsRNA complex. These findings strongly suggest that RDE-4 is likely to have dsRNA binding activity.

Because RDE-4 contains a motif that is likely to bind in a general fashion to any dsRNA and because RDE-4 appears to function upstream in the generation of RNAi agents, the RDE-4 protein or fragments thereof can be used to convert any dsRNA into an RNAi agent. In addition to the dsRNA binding domain, RDE-4 contains other functional domains that may mediate the formation of RNAi agents. These domains may provide for interaction between RDE-4 and RDE-1 or for binding to enzymes such as nucleases that convert the dsRNA into the RNAi agent. Because of its RNA binding function in RNA interference, the RDE-4 protein and fragments thereof can be used to prepare dsRNA that is useful in preparing an RNAi agent.

Example 12 Identification of Regions of RDE-1 and RDE-4 that are Required for Creating an RNAi Agent

In vivo and in vitro assays are used to identify regions in RDE-1 and RDE-4 that are important for the generation of RNAi agents. In the in vivo assay, rde-1 and rde-4 are introduced into the corresponding C. elegans mutant strains via transgenes (Tabara et al., Cell 99:123 (1999); and Example 13). Important functional domains in RDE-1 and RDE-4 are defined by systematically altering the proteins followed by reintroduction into mutant animals to test for rescue of the RNAi deficient phenotype. A series of nested deletions are analyzed for rescue activity for both rde-1 and rde-4. Specific point mutations are used to analyze the importance of specific amino acids. Chimera's are produced between RDE proteins and related proteins and genes. For example, coding sequences from RDE-1 homologs from the worm or from human are tested for their ability to rescue rde-1 mutants. Replacing the RDE-4 dsRNA binding motif with a distinct RNA binding motif, e.g., one that recognizes a specific viral dsRNA sequence or a ssRNA sequence will alter the specificity of the RNAi response perhaps causing sequence-specific or ssRNA-induced gene targeting. In one form of the in vitro assay, whole protein extracts from rde-1 or rde-4 deficient worm strains are used.

Recombinant RDE-1 or RDE-4 is then added back to reconstitute the extract. Altered RDE-1 and RDE-4 proteins (described above, including deletions, point mutants and chimeras) are made in vitro and then tested for their ability to function when added back to these extracts. RNAi activity is analyzed by injecting the reconstituted extracts directly into animals or by assaying for the destruction of an added in vitro synthesized target mRNA.

Example 13 Rescue of rde-4 Animals

Rescue of animals (e.g., C. elegans) that are mutant for an RNAi pathway is a useful method for identifying sequences from RNAi pathway genes that encode functional polypeptides, e.g., polypeptides that can eliminate the mutant phenotype.

An example of such a method for identifying rde-4 mutant animals is as follows. PCR using primers located 1 kb upstream and 500 nucleotides downstream of the open reading frame (T20G5.11; illustrated in FIG. 12) are used to amplify the rde-4 gene from C. elegans genomic DNA. The resulting PCR product is then injected along with reporter constructs described in Tabara et al. (Cell 99:123 (1999); incorporated herein in its entirety by reference), and the progeny of the injected animal are assayed for rescue of the RNAi deficient phenotype. The PCR product can also be cloned into a plasmid vector for site directed mutational analysis of RDE-4 (see Example 12). Co-injection of such a wild type RDE-4 plasmid and altered derivatives can be used to identify functional domains of rde-4. Similar methods can be used to identify functional domains of rde-1 and other RNAi pathway components.

Other Embodiments

It is to be understood that while the invention has been described in conjunction with the detailed description thereof, the foregoing description is intended to illustrate and not limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the scope of the appended claims. Other aspects, advantages, and modifications are within the scope of the following claims. 

1. A method of inhibiting the activity of a gene, the method comprising introducing an RNAi agent into a cell, wherein the RNAi agent is prepared by incubating a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) targeted to the gene in the presence of an RNAi pathway component, wherein the RNAi component is an RDE-1 polypeptide or homolog thereof.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the RNAi pathway component is an RDE-1 polypeptide.
 3. A method of inhibiting the activity of a gene, the method comprising introducing an RNAi agent into a cell, wherein the RNAi agent is prepared by incubating a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) targeted to the gene in the presence of an RNAi pathway component, wherein the RNAi component is an RDE-4 polypeptide or homolog thereof.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the RNAi pathway component is an RDE-4 polypeptide.
 5. A method of inhibiting the activity of a gene, the method comprising introducing an RNAi agent into a cell, wherein the RNAi agent is prepared by incubating a dsRNA in the presence of at least a first and second RNAi pathway component, wherein the first RNAi component is an RDE-1 polypeptide or homolog thereof and the second RNAi component is an RDE-4 polypeptide or homolog thereof.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the RNAi pathway components are an RDE-1 polypeptide and an RDE-4 polypeptide.
 7. The method of claim 1, 3 or 5, wherein the RNAi agent is introduced into the cell in a liposome.
 8. The method of claim 1, 3 or 5, wherein the RNAi agent is introduced into the cell by injection.
 9. The method of claim 1, 3 or 5, wherein the cell is in an animal.
 10. The method of claim 2 or 6, wherein the RDE-1 polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 80% identical to the amino acid sequence set forth as SEQ ID NO:3 and is capable of promoting RNAi.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the RDE-1 polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95% identical to the amino acid sequence set forth as SEQ ID NO:3.
 12. The method of claim 10, wherein the RDE-1 polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence set forth as SEQ ID NO:3.
 13. The method of claim 4 or 6, wherein the RDE-4 polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 80% identical to the amino acid sequence set forth as SEQ ID NO:5 and is capable of promoting RNAi.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the RDE-4 polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95% identical to the RDE-4 amino acid sequence set forth as SEQ ID NO:5.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the RDE-4 polypeptide comprises the RDE-4 amino acid sequence set forth as SEQ ID NO:5. 